Day 4
Last night, we walked about 10 minutes from the lodge and settled down to a log fire in the middle of the neighbor’s farm land. We were served a drink of locally brewed rice alcohol and were led into a stone building. The wooden tub had been filled and the back of it was separated with a wooden divider, from which the hot water flowed in. Stones were heated on a fire and placed in the back area. As each stone was added, the water temperature would rise. In the water was a local herb which not only added fragrance, but felt healing and soothing. The bamboo doors were opened and we had an incredible view of the valley. What an incredible experience but after an hour, we had to get out and head off down the hill to the lodge and a great dinner. [Read more…] about A Journey Through Bhutan – Part 2
25th Anniversary Celebration
We departed on QANTAS’s A380 non-stop for Melbourne, Australia! I love this aircraft and the great service onboard. 14 hours later, we landed and were on our way to The Langham Melbourne. Ben Sington, the General Manager, and his team do such a great job for our clients and for us whenever we are in town. Melbourne itself is a wonderful city. Located on the banks of the Yarra River, the city is renowned for its sidewalk cafes, laneways, and wonderful restaurants. I love coming down here and exploring a little more each time.
Wolgan Valley – Revisited
Cities: Blue Mountains, New South Wales
I was fortunate to visit Wolgan (located west of Sydney, Australia about 3 hour’s drive) the day before it opened in 2009, and spent a couple of hours with Joost Heymeijer (the General Manager) who showed me around, beaming with delight as he had been since ground breaking so everything that was there, Joost organized! [Read more…] about Wolgan Valley – Revisited
Corfu, Greece, Our first Villa Experience!
Cities: Athens, Greece; Corfu, Greece
This July, we all left Philly heading to Athens, Greece. My wife Linda, 4 of my children, Lianda, Ian II, Lorianna and Dilan and Ian’s girlfriend Kristen. We landed and headed to the Grand Bretagne in the city and checked in to our suites and rooms overlooking the Syntagma Square and Parliament buildings. We arrived right after the demonstrations that had been occurring, but they were contained to an area and heavily secured by the local police teams. It is a beautiful city – a great walking city, which we immediately embarked on. [Read more…] about Corfu, Greece, Our first Villa Experience!
Australia May/June 2010
Cities: Outback South Australia, Lord Howe Island
Flinders Ranges, Australia May 2010
After record rainfall in the Outback of South Australia, the ranges were bursting with lush plant life. Far from the usual red desert, abundance of green was evident, and only enhanced the dramatic scenery of the Flinders Ranges and the National Park. [Read more…] about Australia May/June 2010
A Fijian Escape – Part Two
Cities: Wakaya Club
As we check in at Nadi airport at Air Wakaya we are met by the airport representative of the Wakaya Club and Spa.
David Gilmour created the fantasy island 20 years ago and it has been the resort of choice for many famous and intrepid Americans searching for paradise, since then. Mainly marketed by word of mouth, it has always has the intrigue of something very special. [Read more…] about A Fijian Escape – Part Two